Dispensing carton with reclosable pour spout



Sept. 8, 1964 L.. P. LARsoN 3,147,904

DISPENSING CARTON WITH RECLOSABLE POUR SPOUT Filed Sept. 28. 1961 3Sheets-Sheet 1 DIsPENsING CARTON WITH REcLosABLE POUR sPoUT Filed sept.28, 1961 L` P. LARSON Sept. 8, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 8, 1964 L..P. LARsoN DISPENSING CARTON WITH REcLosABLE Poux sPouT Filed sept. 2s,1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent O The present inventionrelates to cartons of paperboard or other suitable material having areclosable pour spout and adapted to contain and dispense fluid materialin such forms as powder, granules, flakes, liquids, etc.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide acarton having an integral pouring spout on its upper end which can beautomatically snappedopen and closed so as to reseal the opening after aportion of the material has been dispensed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a closure meanshaving a pull out tab integral therewith whereby the closure can bepulled into pour spout configuration and reclosed by application of theproper force to the pull tab member.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a reclosablepour spout for a container in which the pour spout is fonned from thetop end closure panels by downwardly bending triangular ears on the endclosure member to spring the end closure panels outwardly into pourspout configuration.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a reclosablepour spout for a carton in which an end closure panel is infoldedbeneath side cover flaps whereby upon rupture of a tear flap, bellowsfolds are expanded automatically to spring the end panel outwardly andupwardly into pour spout defining relation with the container, and inwhich the end panel can be forced inwardly and snapped into sealingrelationship with extruded score lines on the interior of the side coveriiaps.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent hereinafter.

The present invention comprises a reclosable pour spout having suitablydimensioned triangular panels which automatically are snapped into pourspout configuration and which are sprung into sealing relationship withother portions of the top closure upon application of suitable forces tosaid panels. The present invention also comprises a carton embodying areclosable pour spout which can be snapped into open or closedrelationship with respect to said container and further includes theblanks from which said closures and containers are formed.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification andwherein like numbers refer to like parts wherever they occur:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank embodying the present invention andshowing the surface which forms the inside of the container when folded,

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the top portion of the blank shown in FIG.l,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the folded containershowing the upper or cover fiaps in open position,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top portion of the folded containershowing the cover flaps in partially open position just prior to theiroverlapping,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top portion of the container withthe cover iiaps in closed sealed relation,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top portion of the container afterthe two triangular portions of the cover 3,147,904 Patented Sept. 8,1964 ice have been folded upwardly into substantially vertical position,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the two triangular portions foldeddownwardly into close relation with the top, thereby causing the spoutend panels and connected triangular portions to spring upwardlyautomatically into the position of FIG. 8,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the spout in its fully open andpouring position,

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the carton after the spout end panel hasbeen snapped into closed position, showing how the spout formingportions seal the opening,

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line lit-10 of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the top portion of a blank embodying amodification of the present invention and showing the surface whichforms the inside of the container when folded,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the top portion of the modifiedcontainer with the top closure in sealed relation and showing the pulltab extending therefrom,

FIG. 13 hows how the pull tab opens the upper longitudinal central scoreduring the opening operation,

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing how the portion of the pull tabglued to the spout and panel opens the spout into fully open position,

FIG. 15 is a frragmentary top plan view of a blank showing a modifiedpull tab and showing the surface which forms the inside of the containerwhen folded, and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the top portion of the modifiedcontainer made from the blank shown in FIG. 15 and showing the topclosure opened with the modified pull tab secured only to one outer endtriangular panel.

FIG. 1 shows a blank 10 which ordinarily is made of paperboard and whichcan be coated or laminated on one or both surfaces thereof to render itmoisture proof. The blank 10 has an irregular top edge 11, an irregularbottom edge 12, a front edge 13, and a rear edge 14 parallel thereto.The body of the blank is formed into a series of longitudinal panels,top panels and bottom panels which form the longitudinal walls and thetop and bottom closures, respectively, for the carton into which theblank 10 is formed as will hereinafter be more fully explained.

The body of the blank 10 includes a manufacturers ap 1S on one sidethereof defined by the blank edge 13, a transverse top score line 16, atransverse bottom score line 17 and a longitudinal score line 18. Themanufacturers fiap 15 includes a top extension 19 defined by the blankedge 13, a transverse edge 20, the longitudinal score line 18, and thetransverse score line 16. A bottom extension l21 of the manufacturersflap 15 is defined by the blank edge 13, the bottom transverse scoreline 17, the longitudinal score line 18 and a transverse edge 22.

An end panel 23 is connected to the manufacturers ap 15 at thelongitudinal score line 18 and is further defined by a spacedlongitudinal score line 24, a bottom transverse score line 25 alignedwith the score line 17, and a top transverse score line 26 offset fromthe manufacturers fiap top score line 16.

A spout end panel 27 is connected to the end panel 23 at the transversescore line 26 and is defined by the transverse top edge 23 which isoffset from the manufacturers flap top edge 20, and the longitudinalscore lines 18 and 24. The spout end panel 27 includes end triangularportions 29 and 30 defined by diagonal score lines 31 which intersect atthe midpoint of 4the top edge 28 and connect with the intersections ofthe longitudinal score lines 18 and 24- with the transverse score line26. The end triangun lar panels 29 and 30 have free edges 29a and 30a,respectively.

A bottom end closure panel 32 is connected to the end panel 23 at thebottom score line 25 and is further defined by an irregular bottomtransverse edge 33 and the longitudinal scores 18 and 24. The irregularbottom transverse edge 33 includes a cut-out portion connected bydiagonal score lines 34 to the points of intersection of thelongitudinal score lines 1S and 24 with the bottom transverse score line25.

A side panel 35 is connected to the end panel 23 at the longitudinalscore line 24 and is further defined by a top transverse score line 36,a bottom transverse score line 37 and a longitudinal score line 38. Thetop transverse score line 36 is longitudinally offset from the end panel`top transverse score line 26; While the bottom transverse score line 37is aligned with the end panel bottom transverse score line 25.

A side cover ap 39 is connected to the side panel 35 at the score line36 and is further defined by the top transverse edge 4f) and thelongitudinal score lines 24 and 33. The cover ap edge 40 islongitudinally offset from the spout panel edge 28, and the toplongitudinal score line 36 is offset from the end panel top score line26. A diagonal score line 41 connects the intersection of thelongitudinal score line 24 and the top transverse score line 36 with thetop transverse edge 40, and provides a side triangular panel 42 having afree edge 42a.

A bottom side closure panel 43 is connected to the side panel 35 at thetransverse score line 37 and is further defined by a bottom transverseedge 44 and the longitudinal score lines 24 and 38.

A rear wall 45 is connected to the side panel 35 at the longitudinalscore 38 and is further defined by a longitudinal score 46, a toptransverse score 47 and a bottom score 48. The top transverse score 47is longitudinally offset from the side panel score 36 and is alignedwith the spout end panel score 26.

A rear end panel 49 is connected to the end wall 45 at the transversescore line 47 and is further defined by a transverse top edge t) and thelongitudinal score lines 3S and 46. The rear end panel 49 is dividedinto outer triangular portions 51 and 51a. by diagonal score lines 52which intersect at the midpoint of the top edge 56 and connect with theintersections of the longitudinal score lines 3S and 46 and thetransverse score line 4'7.

A bottom end closure panel 53 is connected to the end panel 45 at thebottom score line 48 and is further defined by an irregular bottomtransverse edge 54 and the longitudinal scores 38 and 46. The irregularbottom transverse edge 54 includes a cut-out portion connected bydiagonal score lines 55 to the points of intersection of thelongitudinal score lines 33 and 46 with the bottom transverse score line48.

A side panel 56 is connected to the end panel 45 at the longitudinalscore line 46 and is further defined by the longitudinal edge 14, a toptransverse score line 57 and a bottom transverse score line 58. The toptransverse score line 57 is longitudinally offset from the end panelscore line 47 and is aligned with the side panel transverse score line36.

A side cover panel 59 is connected to the side panel 56 at the toptransverse score line 57 and is further defined by a top transverse edge60, the longitudinal edge 14 and the longitudinal score 46. The toptransverse edge 6i) is longitudinally offset from the end panel top edge50 to form a top closure seal as is explained more fully hereinafter.

A severable seal tab 61 in the corner of the side cover panel 59 isdefined at one of its inner sides by a transverse line of weakness 62and at the other of its inner sides by a diagonal line of Weakness 63.The diagonal line of weakness 63 extends past the longitudinal line ofWeakness 62 and intersects a diagonal score line 64 which originates atthe point of intersection of the longitudinal edge 14 and the transversescore line 57 to define therewith a generally triangular side panel 65.

The line of weakness 62 is disposed in offset relation to the containermidwidth to make the container closure leakproof, and the perforatedscore 62 is spaced from the side panel score 57 the distance Z which isequal to approximately one-half the Width of the container plus 1/32inch. The Width of the container is determined by the width of the endpanels 23 and 45, and therefore the distance Z is equal to one-half thewidth of the panels 23 and 45 plus 1/32 inch.

A bottom cover fiap 66 is hinged to the side panel 56 at the transversescore 58 and is further defined by an edge 67, the edge 14, and thelongitudinal score 46.

In forming a container or carton from the blank 10, a suitable adhesiveis applied to the outer surface of the manufacturers flap 15 and thepanels 23, 35, 45 and 56 are folded inwardly toward each other about theparallel scores 1S, 24, 3S and 46. The outer side of the manufacturersfiap 15 is secured to the inner side of the terminal side panel 56 alongthe free edge 14 to complete the body of the container.

In forming the top closure, a suitable adhesive is applied to the innersurface of the side panel 59 adjacent to the top edge 66 thereof tocover the tear tab 61 and the portion of said side panel 59 whichoverlaps the outer surface of the other side cover flap 39 when theflaps are in closure forming arrangement. As the side flaps 59 and 39are folded toward each other, the end panel 49 and the spout panel 27are folded toward each other so that the triangular portions 29, 30, 51and 51a define bellows folds with the side flaps 39 and 59. The freeedge 4t) of the side panel 39 is tucked into the bellows folds definedby the triangular panels 29 and 51a and the side fiap 59, While the freeedge 60 of the side fiap 59 is laid upon and overlaps the free edge 4t)of the side flap 39. The free edge 5) of the end panel 49 is folded atits center and the two resulting portions are positioned in closeparallel alignment when the end panel 49 is folded along the diagonalscore lines 52. The free edge 28 of the spout end panel 27 is folded atits center and the two resulting portions 29a and 39a are positioned inclose parallel alignment when the spout end panel 27 is folded along thescore lines 31. To complete the top closure, the overlaid side flap 59is glued to the other side fiap 39.

While the foregoing top closure is adequate when the container holdspowder particles, in the preferred embodiment wherein the container isadapted to contain a liquid, preferably milk, the top closure membersare coated with a thermoplastic seal material, such as polyethylene,since the closure must be moisture proof in order to resist leakage ofthe iiuid in the container through the top closure even when the filledcontainer is inverted for extended periods of time.

When the top closure members are coated with a thermoplastic sealmaterial, the side closure members 39 and 59 are interiocked andoverlapped as hereinbefore described and a thin mandrel is positionedinside the container adjacent to the inner surfaces of the end coverflap 49 and the spout cover fiap 27. A heated sealing instrument ispressed against the outer surface of the side flap 59 adjacent to thefree edge 66, including the tear strip portion 61. The heat penetratesinto the top closure members to seal said members together. Not only isthe free edge 60 of the side flap 59 sealed to the outer surface of theother side flap 39, but the interlocked edge 40 of the second side flap39 also is sealed to the inner surfaces of the members forming thebellows fold. Also, the outer surfaces of the rear end closure flap 49may be sealed together along the midline of the top closure. The degreeof seal in depth is controlled by the temperature of the heated sealinginstrument and the time which it is in engagement with the top closure.Any sealing of the folded over portions of the spout end panel 27 isremedied when armena the top closure is opened as is hereinafter morefully described.

When the top closure is completed, the container is filled in an upsidedown position through the bottom opening. When the container is lled,the bottom closure is applied. Any conventional bottom closure can beapplied to the container and for purposes of this disclosure, the bottomclosure formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Thebottom closure must be moisture proof, if the container is to holdliquid or a hygroscopic powder, and must be strong enough to support thecontents of the container. If the foregoing requirements are fulfilled,any suitable bottom closure is satisfactory.

In forming the shown bottom closure, the bottom side closure panels 43and 66. are folded inwardly and the overlapping portions of the freeedges 44 and 67 are secured together by an adhesive or a heat seal,depending on the contents of the container. As the bottom side closurepanels 43 and 66 are folded inwardly, the bottom end panels 32 and 53are folded outwardly along the transverse score lines and 48 and alongthe diagonal score lines 34 and 55. The overlapping portions of thebottom end closure panels are then secured together. To complete thebottom closure, the end closure panel 32 is folded inwardly about thelongitudinal score lines 18 and 24 and the transverse score line 25 andthe end closure panel 53 is folded inwardly about the longitudinal scorelines 38 and 46 and the transverse score line 48. The folded end panels32 and 53 are then secured to the longitudinal end walls 35 and 56.

The novel spout closure in which the spout end panel 27 is snappedoutwardly to spout defining position (FIG. 8), and also is snappedinwardly to top closure defining position (FIG. 9), includes the spoutend panel 27 and the two adjacent pairs of contiguous triangular panelsand 42 and 29 and 65.

The first pair of triangular panels includes a first or end triangularpanel 29 defined by the free edge 29a, the score line 31, and the scoreline 18 connecting the panel 29 to the manufacturers fiap 19 which issecured to the side triangular panel 65. The second or side triangularpanel 65 is defined by the perforated score line 62 connecting the panel65 to the tear tab 61, the score line 64 connecting the panel 65 to theside closure panel 59, and the free edge 14 positioned adjacent -to themanufacturers flap score line 18 when the container is in erectedposition.

The second pair of triangular panels includes a first or end triangularpanel 30 defined by the score line 31, the free edge 30a, and the commonscore line 24 connecting the rst panel 30 to the side triangular panel42. The second or side triangular panel 42 is defined by the free edge42a, the score line 41 connecting the panel 42 to the side closure panel39 and the common score line 24.

Certain novel angular and dimensional relationships exist among thepanels which comprise the spout end closure which cause the spout endpanel 27 to be snapped or sprung with a distinct popping sound into apour spout configuration (FIGS. 6 8). The length of the free edges 29aand 30a of the spout end triangular panels 29 and 30 is less than thelength of the perforated score line 62 of the side triangular panel 59and also is less than the length of the free edge 42a of the sidetriangular panel 42. Also, the angle A between the diagonal score line41 and longitudinal score line 24 is slightly greater than 45 andpreferably is approximately 46. Similarly, the angle B between thediagonal score 64 and the free edge 14 is greater than 45 and preferablyis about 46 The difference in the dimensions of the edges 29a and 62 andthe edges 30a and 42a must be such that the panels comprising thebellows fold (triangular panels 29 and 65 and 30 and 4Z) and the pourspout panel 27 lie in contacting flatwise relation in the sealedcondition of the container, and yet when the triangular panels 29 and 65and 30 and 42 are folded upwardly and outwardly to open the container(as is hereinafter explained more fully), a stress sealing operation.

results which tends to urge the spout end panel 27 outwardly into theprotruded pour spout configuration shown in FIG. 8.

To open the sealed container (FIG. 5), the tear strip 6l is severedalong the line of perforations 62 and the overlapped triangular panelsare raised into substantially vertical position (FIG. 6), breakingwhatever heat seal may have been imparted thereto during the top closureThe triangular panels then are bent backwardly into close relation withthe top, raising the point X defined by the intersection of the freeedges 29a and 30a and the diagonal scores 31 above the plane of the restof the top closure and causing the spout end panel 27 to spring upwardlyautomatically into pouring position (FIGS. 7 and 8). The spout end panel27 tends to spring outwardly or inwardly as soon as the point X passesthrough a common plane defined by the parallel alignment of the spoutend panel 27 and the triangular end panels 29 and Sii. As the spout endpanel 27 is snapped inwardly, the panels 27, 29 and 30 move into sealingconfiguration with the rest of the top closure assembly (FIG. 9). Theend triangular panels 29 and 30 are in close contacting positionadjacent to the side triangular panels 42 and 65, respectively, tofurther seal the top opening.

Since all of the scores are impressed on the outside of the blank liti,each of the inner scores has a raised area (more clearly shown in FIG.l0), and the raised adjacent contacting score lines 31 and 4l and 31 and64, respectively, seal the closure of the spout end panel 27 with thetop side closure panels 39 and 59. Thus, even after the seal on the topof the container has been broken, a liquid proof closure is provided forthe container.

FfG. ll shows the top portion of a modified blank 70. The lower portionof the blank 70 may be similar to that shown in FIG. ll, or it may beany other suitable bottom closure structure. The blank 70 includes anirregular top margin 71 and parallel longitudinal end margins 72 and 73.A series of parallel longitudinal score lines 74, 75, 76 and 77 dividethe blank into a series of top closure panels and the longitudinal sideand end panels 73, 79, Si) and 81 with a manufacturers flap 82 hinged toone edge thereof.

rlChe manufacturers flap 32 is defined between the blank edge 72 and thelongitudinal score line 74 and includes a transverse score 83 to dene atop portion 84.

The end panel 81 is defined by the longitudinal scores 74 and 75 and ishinged to the manufacturers flap 82. A top end closure panel 85 isdefined between a transverse free margin 86 and a transverse score 87and includes outer triangular panels 83 and 89 defined by the diagonalscores 99 and 91 which diverge from the top margin 86 to theintersections of the transverse score 87 with the longitudinal scores 74and 75. The panels 88 and 89 have free margins 83a and 89a,respectively.

The side panel 89 is defined between the longitudinal scores 75 and 76and is hinged to the end panel 81. A top side closure panel 92 isdefined between a transverse margin 93 and a transverse score 94 whichis offset from the transverse score 87. A diagonal score 95 beginning atthe free edge 93 and terminating at the intersection of the longitudinalscore 76 and the transverse score 94 defines a triangular spout panel 96having a free margin 96a.

The end panel 79 defined between the longitudinal scores 76 and 77 ishinged to the side panel Si?. A spout end panel 97 is defined between atransverse score 98 and a free margin 99 including a perforated score100 which is the continuation thereof. The transverse score 98 is offsetfrom the adjoining transverse score 94. Diagonal scores 191 and 102,beginning at the juncture of the free edge 99 and the perforated score100 and terminating at the intersection of the transverse score 98 andthe longitudinal scores 76 and 77, respectively, divide the spout endpanel 97 into end triangular portions 103 and 104.

FV a

A pull tab assembly 165 is connected to the spout end panel triangularportion 133 by the perforated score 100 and further includes atriangular' glue portion 1%, defined between the free edges 14.17 and168 and a diagonal score 199, which is aligned with the diagonal score162; a trapezoidal portion 11), which is hinged to the triangularportion 196 at the diagonal score 109; and a free rectangular pull tab111 hinged to the trapezoidal portion 11b at a longitudinal score 112. Acutout score 113 spaces the tab 111 from the side closure panel 92.

The side panel 78 is defined between the longitudinal score 77 and theblank end margin 73. A side cover fiap 11d is defined between a free topmargin 115 and a transverse score 116 which is offset from the adjoiningscore 98 and aligned with the transverse score 94. A severable glue flap117 is defined by a transverse perforated score 11S, which is alignedwith the perforated score 10i) connecting the pull tab assembly 1%' tothe spout end panel 97, and the diagonal perforated score 119terminating at the free margin 115. A diagonal score 12b connects theend of the transverse perforated score 113 with the intersection of thetransverse score 1.16 and the longitudinal score '77 to define atriangular side spout panel 121.

In forming a container or carton from the blank 70, the panels 78, '79,8l) and 31 are folded inwardly toward each other about the parallellongitudinal scores 77, 76 and 75, and the outer side of themanufacturers tiap d2 is secured to the inner side of the terminal sidepanel 78 along the free edge 73 to complete the body of the container,1n forming the top closure, the side fiaps 92 and 114 are folded towardeach other and the end panel S5 and the spout end panel f7 also arefolded toward each other so that the triangular portions S3, 8L", MP3and 104 thereof define bellows folds with the side flaps 92 and 114. Thefree edge 93 of the side panel 92 is tucked into the bellows foldsdefined by the triangular panels S3 and 1&4- and the other side fiap114-, while the free edge 115 of the side fiap is laid upon and overlapsthe top of the side fiap 92. The free edges 83a and 89a of the end panelS are positioned in close parallel relationship when the end pane S5 isfolded along the diagonal score lines 96 and 91.

The pull tab assembly 165 is folded upon the perforated score 1li@ andtriangular portion 106 thereof is secured to the spout end panel 97, andthe trapezoidal portion 11@ is folded along the diagonal score 1'll9 andpositioned between the triangular end panel 163 and the triangularportion 166 of the pull tab assembly 105.

When the side cover iiap 11d is folded over the other side cover flap92, it is secured along the edge thereof, so that the severable glueiiap 117 is secured to the top of of the other side panel 92.. The sidepanels 91. and 114 also are secured along the remainder of the freeedges thereof.

The rectangular pull tab 111 then is folded along the longitudinal score112 to overlie the severable glue strip 117 and a portion of the endcover panel @2 as shown by the broken lines of FIG. 12.

To open the container into pour spout defining position, the pull tab111 is disengaged from the top of the container as shown by the solidlines of FIG. 12. The pull tab 111 is pulled inwardly and upwardly tosever the glue strip 117 from the side cover flap 114 along theperforated score 118 (FIG. 13). As the pull tab 111 is then pulledfurther outwardly, the perforated score 11i@ is severed and the spoutend panel 97 is pulled into pour spout defining position (FIG. 14).

To close the pour spout closure, the pull tab assembly 105 is pushedinwardly and downwardly and the pour spout panel 97 snaps into sealingrelationship with the side cover panels 92 and 11A. similar to theconfiguration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The same critical relationships of angles and dimensions as set forth inthe structure shown in FGS. 1 10, also are important in the presentmodification of the invention. 1n other words, the length of the freeedges 88a and 89a of the spout end triangular panels 58 and 89 is lessthan the length of the perforated Score 113 of the side triangular panel114 and also is less than the length of the free edge 96a of the otherside triangular panel 96. Also, the angle A between the diagonal scoreline 121i and the longitudinal score line 77 is slightly greater than 45and preferably is 46. Similarly, the angle B between the diagonal scoreand the longitudinal score 76 is greater than 45 and preferably is about46.

As previously explained, the difference in the dimensions of the blankedges are such that the panels comprising the bellows folds (triangularpanels 103 and 96 and 104 and 121) and the pour spout panel 97 lie incontacting flatwise relation in the scaled condition of the container,and yet when the triangular panels 103 and 164 are pulled upwardly andoutwardly to open the container, a stress results whereby the spout endpanel 97 is sprung outwardly into protruded pour spout configuration.Similarly, the triangular panels 193 and 96 and 164 and 121 are snappedback into contacting relation when the spout end panel Q7 is pushedinwardly and downwardly to thereby reseal the top closure.

A further modification of the present invention is shown in FG. 15,wherein the blank is identical to the blank 70 shown in FIG. l1 exceptthat the pull tab assembly is modied. The pull tab assembly 131 shown inFIG. 15 includes a trapezoidal portion 132 hinged to the spout end panel97 by a transverse score 133 and thereby connected to one end triangularpanel 193. A rectangular pull tab 134 is connected to the trapezoidalportion 132 by a longitudinal score 135 and is spaced from the sidecover flap 92 by a cutout score 136.

With the modified pull tab assembly 131 shown in FG. 15, the trapezoidalportion 132 is folded in fiat contacting relation between the triangularend panel 163 when the top closure is effected. The pull tab portion 134is folded back on top of the tear tab 117 where it overlaps a portion ofthe side cover flap 92.

To open the top closure, the pull tab 134 first is pulled upwardly andoutwardly to free it from the container top, after which the pull tab13d is pulled upwardly and inwardly to detach the tear tab 117 along theperforated score 118 (FIG. 16). The pull tab 134 then is pulledoutwardly to pull the spout end panel 97 into a pour spout definingposition similar to that shown in FIG. 14.

rl`he same critical dimensions set forth in the blank 7i) shown in FIG.11 also apply to the blank 131i shown in FIG. 15 in order that the spoutend panel 97 can be automatically snapped open and shut with a distinctpopping sound.

Thus it is apparent that the present invention achieves all of theobjects and advantages set forth therefor.

This invention is intended to cover all changes and modifications of theexamples of the invention herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure,which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. A container blank comprising a generally rectangular sheet havinggenerally parallel opposed free side edges and being provided withlongitudinally extending score lines dividing the central portion of thesheet into series of adjacent generally rectangular main body panels,transverse score lines adjacent to the opposite ends of the sheetproviding, in cooperation with the longitudinal score lines, end closurepanels at each end of the main body panels, the transverse score linesat the upper end of the blank being offset at the main body panels, onespout end panel at the upper end of the sheet being provided withupwardly convergent score lines extending from the respective uppercorners of the main body panel and intersecting at the upper edge ofsaid spout end panel, a pull tab member joined to said spout end panelby a transverse line of weakness, said line of Weakness forming aportion of the upper edge of said spout end panel, said pull tab memberhaving a longitudinal side edge and a diagonal side edge aligned withone of said spout end panel diagonal scores, a transverse cut, alongitudinal score spaced from the longitudinal side edge and with saidedge and said cut defining a pull panel, a diagonal score aligned withthe other of said spout end diagonal scores and with said diagonal edgedefining a triangular glue panel having its apex at the top edge of saidspout end panel and spaced from the pull panel by a generallytrapezoidal panel, the two end panels adjacent to the spout end panelwhen the blank is formed into a container having diagonal score linesoriginating at the respective corners of their main body panels whichare adjacent to the spout end main body panel when said blank is formedinto a container and extending therefrom diagonally inwardly toward thecenter of the respective two end panels, one of said diagonal scorelines joining the free edge of its end panel to define a triangularclosure member, the other end panel having a transverse line of weaknessadjacent to the free edge thereof and with the second diagonal scoreline delining a generally triangular closure member and a separable gluetab, the line of weakness of said generally triangular closure memberbeing longer than one-half the length of the free edge of the spout endpanel.

2. A container blank comprising a generally rectangular sheet havinggenerally parallel opposed free side edges and being provided withlongitudinally extending score lines dividing the central portion of thesheet into series of adjacent generally rectangular main body panels,transverse score lines adjacent to the opposite ends of the sheetproviding, in cooperation with the longitudinal score lines, end closurepanels at each end of the main body panels, the transverse score linesat the upper end of the blank being offset at the main body panels, onespout end panel at the upper end of the sheet being provided withupwardly convergent score lines extending from the respective uppercorners of the main body panel and intersecting at the upper edge ofsaid spout end panel, a pull tab member joined to said spout end panelby a transverse score, said score forming a portion of the upper edge ofsaid spout end panel, said pull tab member having a longitudinal sideedge and a diagonal side edge aligned with one of said spout end paneldiagonal scores, a transverse cut, and a longitudinal score spaced fromthe longitudinal side edge and with said edge and said cut defining arectangular pull panel, said diagonal side edge, said transverse scoreand said longitudinal score defining a trapezoidal panel hinged to saidspout end panel at said transverse score and hinged to said pull panelat said longitudinal score, the two end panels adjacent to the spout endpanel when the blank is formed into a container having diagonal scorelines originating at the respective corners of their main body panelswhich are adjacent to the spout end main body panel when said blank isformed into a container and extending therefrom diagonally inwardlytoward the center of the respective two end panels, one of said diagonalscore lines joining the free edge of its end panel to define atriangular closure member, the other end panel having a transverse lineof weakness adjacent to the free edge thereof and with the seconddiagonal score line defining a generally triangular closure member and aseparable glue tab, the line of weakness of said generally triangularclosure member being longer than one half the length of the free edge ofthe spout end panel.

3. A sealed dispensing closure for a flat-topped milk carton or the likehaving a pair of opposed longitudinal side wall panels and front andrear end wall panels comprising, a spout end panel hinged to the frontend wall of the container, a rear end panel hinged to the rear wall ofthe container, rst and second side cover panels hinged to the side wallsof the container, said end and side cover panels being hingedlyconnected to one another, said spout end panel having converging scorelines extending from the upper corners of the front end wall andintersecting at the free margin of said spout end panel to define acentral triangular pour spout having adjacent end triangular portions,said rear end panel having a pair of converging score lines extendingfrom the upper corner of the carton rear wall and intersecting at thefree edge of said rear end panel to define a central triangular closuremember having adjacent triangular portions, each of said triangularportions forming a bellows fold with the immediately adjacent side coverpanels when said end panels and side cover panels are folded togetherinto a fiat closure, the free edge of said second side panel beingtucked into a closing bellows and a dispensing bellows formed at saidfirst side cover panel, said first side cover panel having a diagonalscore and a perforated score parallel to the free edge thereof, saidscores cooperating to define a first triangular side panel and aseverable tear strip, the perforated score upon being torn defining afree edge of said first triangular side panel which edge is longer thanthe free edge of the adjacent triangular dispensing bellows panel towhich it is hinged, said second side cover panel having a diagonal scoredefining a second triangular side panel having a free edge longer thanthe free edge of the adjacent dispensing bellows panel to which it ishinged, said rst side cover panel overlying and being sealed to saidsecond side cover panel with said tear strip overlying and being sealedto the top of said first triangular side panel when in closedconfiguration, said tear strip being severable from said first sidepanel, the side cover panels and said end triangular portions definingreversible bellows folds, said reversible folds alternately springingthe central triangular pour spout into pouring position and into closureposition as the apex of the central triangular spout is passed throughthe plane of the front end pour panel.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,915,026 Meyer-Jagenberg a June 20, 1933 2,097,647 Scott Nov. 2, 19372,196,243 Bensel Apr. 9, 1940 2,422,899 Hogdal July 24, 1944 2,496,043Farrell Ian. 31, 1950 3,059,826 Harms Oct. 23, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS562,966 Great Britain July 24, 1944

1. A CONTAINER BLANK COMPRISING A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR SHEET HAVINGGENERALLY PARALLEL OPPOSED FREE SIDE EDGES AND BEING PROVIDED WITHLONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SCORE LINES DIVIDING THE CENTRAL PORTION OF THESHEET INTO SERIES OF ADJACENT GENERALLY RECTANGULAR MAIN BODY PANELS,TRANSVERSE SCORE LINES ADJACENT TO THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SHEETPROVIDING, IN COOPERATION WITH THE LONGITUDINAL SCORE LINES, END CLOSUREPANELS AT EACH END OF THE MAIN BODY PANELS, THE TRANSVERSE SCORE LINESAT THE UPPER END OF THE BLANK BEING OFFSET AT THE MAIN BODY PANELS, ONESPOUT END PANEL AT THE UPPER END OF THE SHEET BEING PROVIDED WITHUPWARDLY CONVERGENT SCORE LINES EXTENDING FROM THE RESPECTIVE UPPERCORNERS OF THE MAIN BODY PANEL AND INTERSECTING AT THE UPPER EDGE OFSAID SPOUT END PANEL, A PULL TAB MEMBER JOINED TO SAID SPOUT END PANELBY A TRANSVERSE LINE OF WEAKNESS, SAID LINE OF WEAKNESS FORMING APORTION OF THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID SPOUT END PANEL, SAID PULL TAB MEMBERHAVING A LONGITUDINAL SIDE EDGE AND A DIAGONAL SIDE EDGE ALIGNED WITHONE OF SAID SPOUT END PANEL DIAGONAL SCORES, A TRANSVERSE CUT, ALONGITUDINAL SCORE SPACED FROM THE LONGITUDINAL SIDE EDGE AND WITH SAIDEDGE AND SAID CUT DEFINING A PULL PANEL, A DIAGONAL SCORE ALIGNED WITHTHE OTHER OF SAID SPOUT END DIAGONAL SCORES AND WITH SAID DIAGONAL EDGEDEFINING A TRIANGULAR GLUE PANEL HAVING ITS APEX AT THE TOP EDGE OF SAIDSPOUT END PANEL AND SPACED FROM THE PULL PANEL BY A GENERALLYTRAPEZOIDAL PANEL, THE TWO END PANELS ADJACENT TO THE SPOUT END PANELWHEN THE BLANK IS FORMED INTO A CONTAINER HAVING DIAGONAL SCORE LINESORIGINATING AT THE RESPECTIVE CORNERS OF THERI MAIN BODY PANELS WHICHARE ADJACENT TO THE SPOUT END MAIN BODY PANEL WHEN SAID BLANK IS FORMEDINTO A CONTAINER AND EXTENDING THEREFROM DIAGONALLY INWARDLY TOWARD THECENTER OF THE RESPECTIVE TWO END PANELS, ONE OF SAID DIAGNAL SCORE LINESJOINING THE FREE EDGE OF ITS END PANEL TO DEFINE A TRIANGULAR CLOSUREMEMBER, THE OTHER END PANEL HAVING A TRANSVERSE LINE OF WEAKNESSADJACENT TO THE FREE EDGE THEREOF AND WITH THE SECOND DIAGONAL SCORELINE DEFINING A GENERALLY TRIANGULAR CLOSURE MEMBER AND A SEPARABLE GLUETAB, THE LINE OF WEAKNESS OF SAID GENERALLY TRIANGULAR CLOSURE MEMBERBEING LONGER THAN ONE-HALF THE LENGTH OF THE FREE EDGE OF THE SPOUT ENDPANEL.